The essential episodes of Breaking Bad
Watch these 10 in order and you've got Breaking Bad — each pick states its reason.
- 01
A high-school chemistry teacher (Bryan Cranston) is diagnosed with a deadly cancer, so he puts his expertise to use and teams with an ex-student (Aaron Paul) to manufacture top-grade crystal meth in hopes of providing for his family after he's gone.
- 02
Walter, in the throes of his chemotherapy treatment and needing money more than ever, agrees to cook more crystal meth with Jesse; Skinny Pete hooks Jesse up with an important new contact, while the DEA intensifies its investigation of Albuquerque's new drug kingpin.
- 03
A new addition joins the White family as Walter Jr. attempts to help out his struggling family by launching a new Web site. Elsewhere, Jesse's addiction worsens and his relationship with Jane begins to negatively impact Walt and her father.
- 04
Hank's behavior becomes increasingly more unpredictable and volatile, which leads to a confrontation with Jesse and problems at the DEA; Skyler wants Walt to make a deal; and Gus' decisions result in some serious consequences.
- 05
Jesse ignores Walt's advice and finds himself in a dangerous situation. Fearing for Jesse's safety, Walt takes drastic measures to try to put things right. And tragedy strikes following an unexpected confrontation.
- 06
Jesse goes on the lam in the third-season finale. But Mike is right on his heels, so Walt works a deal with Gus and comes up with an unsettling plan that might help guarantee both his and Jesse's safety.
- 07
The family becomes gravely concerned when Walt doesn't show up for his son's 16th birthday celebration. And Jesse's lab skills are tested in Walt's absence.
- 08
The fourth season ends with Walt and Jesse squaring off against Gus. Elsewhere, Walt acquires a surprise confederate with help from Saul.
- 09
Everyone copes with radically changed circumstances.
- 10
The acclaimed crime drama comes to a close in the series finale.
Shows like Breaking Bad
The closest matches on shared genres, ranked by match strength and popularity.
- 01Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of True Detective2014–present
Touch darkness and darkness touches you back. - 02Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of The Blacklist2013–2023·NBC
The Blacklist is a crime drama involving a former government agent who turned into a high-profile criminal turning himself in to the FBI offering to help catch criminals. - 03Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of Criminal Minds2005–present·Paramount+
Criminal Minds revolves around an elite team of FBI profilers who analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. - 04Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of The Killing2011–2014Same network — AMC·
- 05Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of The Following2013–2015·FOXThe FBI estimates there are currently over 300 active serial killers in the United States.
- 06Drama·Crime·ThrillerThe essential episodes of The Fall2013–2016·BBC TwoThis gripping psychological thriller forensically examines the lives of two hunters; one a serial killer that stalks his victims at random, and the other a high-powered detective superintendent brought in to catch him.
